On the Fields of "Elysium"

Elysium revolves around the idea of a dystopian world wherein the rich rule. These people stay in a separate satellite home that supplies them with everything that they need, and probably everything that they would want. People who were either criminals, ordinary, or for a better word, POOR, were to remain in a very polluted Earth without all the means for survival.

This film had been set in the future, keeping in mind, once more, the satellite world of the rich. New technologies had been created such as internal brain information storage devices, robot policemen/body guards, space shuttles that could withstand being able to slice through the earth's atmosphere easily and even robotic skeletons that enhance human strength.

The whole movie had been a big mix of plot twists. The biggest one would have to be he idea of Max dying n the next five days. But an even more striking scene in the film would be how Max had just decided to get himself that robotic exoskeleton. The whole process was too graphic, but it left an impression saying that advancements are certainly fruits of one's imagination and determination.

After the film, however, I couldn't help but hope that the film will never be the outcome of the future. I dislike the idea of classifying the rich from the poor, the able from the disabled, and basically the social meaning that the film is standing for. Yes, I understand that there is a need for order, but that type of order is just itching for a revolt. Blood, if that is of any importance to those who live in Elysium.

Fifth Generation Computers

Computers have come a long way. From doing only one task at a time, to becoming the most used gadgets of the century. It has basically become the most inseparable thing to mankind. No one is seen without a phone. No one is even seen these days without having a tab, except maybe a few exemptions. WiFi can be found in a lot of places, be it slow or fast, people will demand it. This has brought upon a new generation of computers that, not only have evolved in function, but also shrunk in size.

Fifth generation computers, in general, have become the epitome of handheld trinkets. From laptops to cellphones, from Apple products to HP. They basically have made a name and status for themselves enough to become the most wanted items in the market at the moment.

These gadgets are compact, but could just be able to withstand a massive memory capacity. They are versatile, in a sense that they will be able to do what today's Personal Computers have been doing since they were invented. In the end, they end up being more wanted than the conventional computer itself. However, this still cannot beat what the Supercomputer has to offer.

One of these computers may include the laptop. A gadget that is, technically, the mini version of a computer, and the bigger version of a netbook/notebook. Weird. A laptop performs all tasks that a PC does. Unfortunately, it can't withstand the huge memory capacity that much.

Then we have Smartphones. The descendant of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), it can connect to the internet, make for a good business planner, and are pretty much the certain function that a computer can do. 

He's using a Smartphone

Last, we have the Tablet. It can connect to the internet, make for cellphones (if you don't mind the size), and are greatly used for entertainment/leisure. Games are downloaded, applications are installed. Yep. Enough said. 

The fifth generation computers have indeed paved the way to more gadgets that the manufacturers have in store for their consumers. These days, more artificial intelligence gadgets have become the rising trend.  I just hope one day that they don't evolve enough to be able to take over the world or something.

Tech for Life

Technology has come a really long way. I mean, with its many improvements and setbacks, all its malfunctions and successes. These days, communication had already been incorporated with the various technologies that have sprouted. Of course, technology isn't only about the latest gadgets. It also consists of the different softwares that have come into existence up to this day.

These days, information and communications (IC) technology has not only raised the standards of what technology can do, but it has also become a ray of hope for various worst-case scenarios.

In a way, these inventions have been utilized to help various situations. Perhaps the most predictable one at the moment would be the one concerning the Philippines' Yolanda experience. The IC technology have been warning us all bout the coming happenings that may occur during the typhoon. Satellites, most especially, have played a big role as they help relay messages from one city to another. They may power text, computers, or even the tablets. 

How can these devices help in minimizing effects? Well, one reason may be that these devices can inform people before they fall victim to the weather forecasts. PAG-ASA will relay the message through e-mail or call, then the many media outlets will handle the message relaying. 

Another way for the devices to help would be to help those individuals who have then already fallen victim to the results of the calamity. Rescuers would contact reinforcements if they feel that they need help saving a life. And again, media outlets would then go about covering the latest news/updates of the said calamity.

My take on Video Editing--- This is a Repost

Saturday, 7 September 2013

NOTE: All media within this post belong to their respective owners.

There are many reasons as to why Video Editing has evolved into its current importance. Every person sees it differently. But actually, there are only two views to it all. One being that of the watcher, and the other one being that of the editor.

The importance to video editing overall, for me that is, is to make the whole finished product more pleasing to the eye. Sure there are different ways to get a camera working, but it is mostly in editing that a product comes to life. The whole of idea of color grading, cutting, and dissolving may turn out to be alien terminology for some, or most, individuals. 

Then again, even in their point-of-view, they cannot help but stop and think: "Wow, how did they do that?" Which brings to light another importance of video editing, to make people wonder. More people will watch something and just go ahead and enjoy it. Others, however, will stop, think, and watch it again. It's like advertising. It gets people to stop for a moment just to reflect on whether or not the product is effective or not.

Products that have become the fruits of video editing come in various time lengths. The range from 30-second advertisements to five-minute long music videos, from short 15-minute films to one hour and 30-minute movies.

Of course, video editing is nothing without the usual techniques that have been used for who knows how long. These may include:

1. Cutting

Like the name suggests, this is basically when you have to either cut a video to a shorter duration, or to make room for more shots. It's mostly utilized when a scene has different perspectives. At one point there's a character talking, then next thing you know, you'll be seeing the person that character is talking to in the following sequence.

2. Dissolve effect/Fade-in or Fade-out

Okay, it's concept is basically obvious. This type of technique is used for when we sort of want some smooth progression from one scene to another. Most of the time, it's used after a scenario in one venue and fades out into another venue to continue the story.

3. Dip to white

This little trick is used when a character/subject goes all "flashback mode". Have that person say something, then while the audio keeps going, you dip to white, and have the memory play in the video.

4. Dip to Black

This one, on the other hand, gives a more negative feel to editing. You use this mostly when there probably is  an epic fight scene and you want to go all dramatic with the way the scene goes all black for one second to the next.

5. Color Grading

This is probably the best friend of every editor. When unsatisfied with the lighting of which the camera had filmed a scene, color grading is a great way to just, well, add color. It can be used to highlight certain aspects of a scene, as well as make a few elements, like sunsets, stand out in a sequence.

Hugo (2011) Movie Review--- This is a Repost

Sunday, 1 September 2013

Hugo (2011) Movie Review

Title: Hugo

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family

Director: Martin Scorsese

Lead Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley

Firs of all, it may sound pedophilic, but I really have to point out how adorable the protagonist, Asa Butterfield, is. He reminds me of Harry and Ginny Potter's son, and the child who played Charlie in the latest Charlie and the Chocolate Factory installment. 

Onwards with the review then...

On the Crew: It was a good choice to have multi-award winning director, Martin Scorcese direct this film. It was epic, if I had to describe it. As much as I love the idea of making such timeless pieces, like films, more reachable and understandable to the youth, it would still need a more adult-like and experienced approach in its overall content. 

The costumes were really my favorite in the whole film. I love how it really did portray the type of lifestyle that the characters were living. As well as the type of time and setting that the film had itself settled into.

On the music: I went on with searching for for the titles in the different soundtracks of the film. My favorite one would be The Intervention of Dreams, done by Howard Shore. I love how it really does sound like something that you can hear from a dream, or, your dream, to be more specific.

On the Cast: It's usually the cast that are the highlight of every film. They have to know how to deliver and be aware of their delivery at the same time. In the case of Hugo though, the cast did just that. Not only did they portray their characters well, but they really looked the part as well. Well, except for Asa. He may have looked a bit Aristocratic for me considering that he steals parts to create an Automaton.

On the story: One has to be able to have a few bits and pieces of knowledge about film to be able to get the story a bit more. The whole plot had revolved around the idea of the history of film and what it's done to the times. Though I know that this is a family movie, I can't help but imagine children asking and asking about what this and that is.

Overall rating: 4.5  

Don't get me wrong, I loved this film. It's just that, again, I can hear the kids going makulit on me when a certain scene comes up and they don't understand it.

Importance of becoming Computer Literate & Computer Competent

Such a long title.

Anyway, on with the real content.

To be computer literate is to be able to know how to use applications found in the computer. These applications are usually the ones that are already found in the computer. The ones that are readily installed already? These may include Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and the like. On the other hand, to be computer competent means that you know how to operate the computer's different programs. These programs aren't found in the computer and need to be installed. These programs may include games, or editing software.

Now, why are these deemed as important in our lives? Well, for one thing, it'll save you from utter social destruction. Naaah, just kidding. It can actually help you out when you've got some homework that needs passing. It can promise you a really nice-looking output that will impress your professors in a snap. Just make sure that the content is up to par with the appearance. Another good thing about this is that you don't have to worry about not knowing what to do. 

Enough about the humorous reason, it's time to get serious. Nyaha. In business terms, to be able to have both traits will help in having a job. Most companies these days have all kinds of computer-done tasks. Usually because they probably have fan-pages in Facebook or have to update things on their website/s. Lastly, but not exactly the last as well, it can make you feel like a total expert. Haha. 

That is all. Comics belong to their respective owners. Links are in the strips.